1. Ratifying the Constitution
Can they get to 9?
Ratifying the Constitution

2. Federalists vs anti-Federalists
Favor Ratification
Believe the nation needs a stronger central gov’t
Led by Madison (duh!) & Hamilton
Anti-Federalists
Oppose Ratification
Complaints include: ratification process, no mention of God, and (most significantly) fear of a return to tyranny

3. Two competing arguments…
“It may be a reflection on human nature, that such devices should be necessary to control the abuses of government. But what is government itself, but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself.” ― James Madison, The Federalist Papers
“Compulsive or treacherous measures to establish any government whatever, will always excite jealousy among a free people: better remain single and alone, than blindly adopt whatever a few individuals shall demand, be they ever so wise. I had rather be a free citizen of the small republic of Massachusetts, than an oppressed subject of the great American empire.” ― George Clinton, Robert Yates, Samuel Bryan, Anti-Federalist Papers

4. National Government… take two!
-On March 14, 1789, with 11 states having ratified, the new Congress first convened
-On April 30, GW took the oath of office as the first President of the USA (in NYC’s Federal Hall)

5. Were the anti-Federalists’ Fears Warranted? Some People Think So…
“The operations of the federal government will be most extensive and important in times of war and danger; those of the State governments, in times of peace and security.” ― James Madison, The Federalist Papers
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